The actor, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, stood tall and resolute on the dazzling red carpet of the 2024 Emmys, his every step echoing a powerful message of solidarity with the missing and murdered Indigenous women. Sunday's grand event witnessed a poignant statement from the star of Reservation Dogs, who adorned his lips with a vibrant red handprint, a potent symbol imbued with deep meaning.
This gesture, according to Native Hope, serves as a beacon for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, a silent scream for "all the missing sisters whose voices are lost in the abyss," and a stinging rebuke of "the deafening silence from media and law enforcement amidst this national tragedy."
Woon-A-Tai, an ardent advocate for amplifying Indigenous narratives in Hollywood, has fearlessly championed this cause, including through his groundbreaking role in Reservation Dogs, whose final season on FX on Hulu premiered earlier this year. His unwavering commitment has now earned him his maiden Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, a testament to his extraordinary portrayal of Bear Smallhill. The show itself is also up for Best Comedy Series, further solidifying its place in the annals of television excellence.
In a heartfelt interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Woon-A-Tai shared an intimate bond with his character, Bear, from their very first encounter during the audition process—a connection that transcended the script's pages. "The writers' room was an all-Indigenous sanctuary, where they vowed to tell their own stories and, in doing so, illuminated the lives of countless Native youths like me," he reminisced. "Bear and I resonated deeply from the start, mirroring facets of myself, my cousins, nephews, and the vast tapestry of our community. It's as if Bears, Willie Jacks, Elora Danans, and Cheeses populate every corner of Indian Country, a testament to our resilience and unbreakable spirit."
The star-studded 2024 Emmy Awards, gracefully hosted by the inimitable duo of Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, shimmered under the lights of the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE, the pulsating heart of downtown Los Angeles. It was a night that celebrated the very best in television, with Woon-A-Tai's poignant protest serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and visibility.
